I have played exactly one round of golf in real life. So when looking to play Golf+, I am looking to have fun. When ranking what courses are the most fun, my criteria is what feels unique, has an appropriate level of challenge, is visually interesting and just plain enjoyable. There are currently 19 courses available, with only three of those courses being "fake" and created from the minds of the developers. I played all the courses on a Quest 3, and kept all the graphics at the same quality to ensure a sense of "fairness." Out of the 19 courses, I've narrowed it down to my top eight, can't miss, most fun courses to play in Golf+ for Meta Quest.
#8 TPC Scottsdale
From the developers: Home of the largest-attended tournament in the world, the fan-favorite WM Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale is a masterful blend of challenge and playability – compelling the sport’s top players and recreational golfers alike. Set in the rugged Sonoran Desert and surrounded by the stunning McDowell Mountains, TPC Scottsdale has hosted some of contemporary golf’s greatest moments since opening in 1986.
TPC Scottsdale is a very immersive course, I felt like I was standing on the fairway. There are lots of buildings and the course really feels built out and alive. Plus the environment looks good and high quality. Right away you're surrounded by an audience in the stands which is very cool.
The front 9 holes unfortunately get boring quick, it's pretty straightforward with a good amount of bunkers, but no water. I will say though, that the cheering audience and hotel on Hole 4 feel alive and add a ton to the immersion. The back 9 though comes in hot, and really does all the heavy lifting. It brings the whole course up a notch. The spectators are in full force, there is water all over the place and the sand traps and curving fairways force you to navigate deftly around them.
Hole 15, par 5 is an excellent island shot. The excitement continues all the way to the signature Hole 16, par 3 "The Coliseum" - which is is incredible. The crowd is all around you, you're boxed into a tight space, and you feel the pressure to perform. The developers really captured the magic of that hole.
#7 Pebble Beach Golf Links
From the developers: Known by many as 'the greatest meeting of land and sea,' Pebble Beach Golf Links hugs the rugged coastline and has wide open views of Carmel Bay, opening to the Pacific Ocean on the south side of the Monterey Peninsula. In 2001, it became the first public course to be selected as the No. 1 Golf Course in America by Golf Digest.
The graphics were really up and down for me on this course. At times it looked full and lush, and overall, the setting was spectacular. At other times though, it was very sparse and low resolution. I was in and out of immersion quite a bit throughout the course.
Every hole by the coast was interesting, which were the middle holes of the course. The others were mediocre in my mind, except Hole 18.
The 7th Hole, Par 3 at 109 Yards is one of the most famous and favorite par 3s in the world. It absolutely lives up to the hype. Every time I play the course, I think about Jersey Jerry's agonizing quest to get a hole in one.
About the aforementioned stunning 18th Hole, par 5. At 543 yards, many people call it the most famous finishing hole in the world. With a great ambiance, a long distance and rocks to contend with, it's really a wonderful way to finish the round.
Overall, this is an absolutely unique course with two of the best signature holes in all of golf. This course really relies on the coast for interest - and it delivers, but once you're off the cost, the holes become pretty straightforward. A good time overall for sure.
#6 TPC Southwind
From the developer: Immerse yourself in the challenge of the PGA Tour’s TPC Southwind. Take on the very same holes that professional golfers conquer in the prestigious FedEx St. Jude Championship. From the breathtaking fairways to the iconic island green of the 11th hole and the infamously tough 18th hole, we have recreated every detail. Experience the exhilaration and relish the challenge of playing golf at TPC Southwind!
Good looking graphics. I felt a good sense of immersion throughout and there were lots of cool buildings. I did happen to notice though that the balconies of the condos didn't have rails on them. A bit of a safety hazard there. ;-).
The front 9 was fun, nothing too crazy. The back 9 gets challenging, but in a good way. What sold me on the course though was all of the unique and challenging holes to play that were peppered throughout. Hole 10 had a river running through the fairway, Hole 11 is essentially a smaller version of the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, Hole 14 had a wavy and elevated green and finally Hole 18 forces you to contend with water on one side, and bunkers on the other. Really a lot of challenging and fun holes peppered throughout.
#5 Kapalua Plantation Course
From the developers: Located on the island of Maui, The Plantation Course at Kapalua has been recognized as the best golf course in Hawaii for fifteen consecutive years by Golfweek. Designed by the renowned Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the course offers dramatic ocean views from virtually every hole. For over a quarter century, Kapalua has played host to The Sentry, the PGA TOUR’s season-opening event.
What a beautiful course. Absolutely lush with foliage, exciting elevation changes and a view that makes you feel like you're in Hawaii. A tip of the hat as well to being able to see a parking lot with cars. Such little things like that really add to the immersion.
The front nine was the highlight with a variety of interesting holes. And while the back nine was not as exciting as the front, it still hosted a lot of great shorter holes. The stunner for the back 9 was by far the18th hole. At an incredible 677 yards and insane elevation changes, it's a can't miss.
Overall, a really fun course. The elevation changes and wind keep you on your toes with exciting holes and views to match.
#4 Yale Golf Course
From the developers: Tee off at the Yale Golf Course, an enchanting 18-hole gem located in New Haven, CT, repeatedly hailed as the #1 university golf course in the country by leading golf publications and celebrated as a "national treasure" by golf icon Ben Crenshaw. Embrace the opportunity to forge your own path on this historic course that perfectly combines captivating beauty and challenging play.
I have to admit, when I first played this course the day it came out I was super sour on it. On revisit though, my opinion of it completely changed. I really had a great time and was able to truly appreciate all the nuance this course offered. It's just a flat out fun course to play that also looks good visually.
The first hole welcomes you with a nice pond. The second hole has two nasty bunkers with stairs down to them from the green if you happen to go too far left or right. The front 9 had lots of hills and posed some fun challenges. The back 9 had the same challenges as the front with lots of elevation changes - some big and some small. What was really tricky throughout though were the unforgiving greens. You really felt like a champion if you birdied a hole.
As for signature holes, Hole 5, par 3 is surrounded by bunkers and elevated. You have to hit it just right or you're in the bunker. Hole 9, par 3 is an excellent and challenging hole with a lake you have to hit over. Don't go too far though, or else you'll end up in the deep gulley on the green. You really have to dial in your shot.
Hole 10, par 4 has a green that is on a huge hill with two bunkers guarding it. After your first shot you're standing on the fairway and looking at this huge hill and not able to see where you're next shot will end up. Hole 17, par 4 has a huge rough patch with three bunkers right in the middle of the fairway that you need to navigate.
As you can see, this course has a ton of challenge that is a dangerously good time.
#3 The Riviera Country Club
From the developers: Ranked as one of the world’s top 50 courses, The Riviera Country Club is one of golf’s most revered estates. This three-time major championship venue is home to the PGA TOUR’s Genesis Invitational and the future host of the 2028 Summer Olympics. The Los Angeles-area course tests golfers with its uniquely challenging par-3 sixth hole featuring a mid-green bunker and its drivable par-4 tenth hole where golfers must weigh risk versus reward. Tee off and see why PGA TOUR players call it a favorite!
A stunningly good looking course. Really great graphics throughout. The little touches they add with golf carts, buildings, houses and practice greens really pulls you into the world. I also have to mention the lively crowds that add an extra layer of immersion.
The tight fairways make for fun and challenging play throughout the full 18. There isn't any water, but the bunker placement is interesting and will keep you on your toes. The first hole is very cool. It's an elevated hole similar to something you might see in Top Golf with the balcony. The signature Hole 6, par 3 has something I thought I'd never see - a green with a bunker in it! You really have to place your shot on the safe part of the green to have a chance to one putt it in.
Overall, an interesting course with narrow fairways and unique bunkers. Nothing too crazy, but a solid and immersive time throughout the entire 18.
#2 Wolf Creek
From the developers: Located in Mesquite, Nevada, Wolf Creek tops countless bucket lists for golfers all around the globe. The steep elevation changes and sloped greens make it just as challenging as it is fun. With multiple tee box locations, pin placements, and wind settings to choose from, this course plays completely different every time.
At first I thought this was a "fake" course. I still can't believe this is a real course. It feels so surreal to be surrounded by the red rock canyons. The unique elevation changes are fun, and the course is challenging. This course really gives you so many options to either play it safe, or go right at the hole. Several greens have dangerous elevation changes, so if you miss the pin, your ball is going to roll 20 feet past the cup.
While there really isn't an official signature hole, most people argue that the entire 18 holes are signature! I certainly wouldn't argue with them. That being said, Hole 13, par 4 stood out to me as it had a hidden green where you needed to shoot your ball over the red rock canyons and hope for the best.
An absolute stunner of a course. Unique, exciting and challenging. This course looks great and plays even better. You'll always be on your toes with this fun course.
#1 TPC Sawgrass
From the developers: Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, birthplace of the TPC Network and backdrop to the PGA TOUR’s Global Home. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, TPC Sawgrass was designed by world renowned architect Pete Dye. THE PLAYERS Stadium course sports one of the most recognizable and challenging holes on the PGA TOUR with the Par 3, 17th, and its famous island green. The course was built to challenge Tour Professionals like no other golf course had done before.
There's simply no other course like it in the world. With unique challenges on almost every hole it's a winner from top to bottom. It also helps that this course looks great too.
The challenge is so dialed in on this course. With sand traps of varying sizes and shapes peppered everywhere you have to think twice about every shot. The water hazards give you pause, because they force you to either be bold and trust that you'll hit your shot straight, or play it safe at the expense of yardage and an extra stroke.
As for the signature hole - Hole 17, par 3 "The Island Green," it lives up to it's name and legendary difficulty. This hole is arguably the most memorable hole in all of professional golf. This article details the love/hate relationship professionals have with the hole. The course is a must play, if not just for this hole.
It doesn't get better than this, and if you only can buy one course, you'll get plenty of play time and fun out of TPC Sawgrass.
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If you're curious how I ranked all the courses, here is my full list.
1. TPC Sawgrass
2. Wolf Creek
3. Riviera
4. Yale
5. Kapalua Plantation
6. TPC Southwind
7. Pebble Beach
8. TPC Scottsdale
9. Kiawah
10. Olympia Fields
11. Cliffs
12. Harbour Town
13. Bay Hill Club and Lodge
14. Castle Links
15. Pinehurst No. 2
16. East Lake
17. The Old Course at St Andrews
18. Alpine
19. Valhalla
Want to see a full tier list in video format? I did a video with Noble Squashy, who runs a lot of VR tournaments. Check out the full video here.
Let me know here or on the Ruff Talk Discord channel if you have a course that you enjoy! Until then, I hope your next VR experience is a memorable one.
The Ruff Talk VR guys usually have giveaways every week and there's always plenty of solid VR chat if you're looking for like-minded individuals in a non-toxic space. They also have a great VR podcast I recommend.
- Shoes
Want more VR?! I have been keeping track of all the VR games I played in 2023 to catalogue them in hopes that they may give fellow VR gamers some insights on new and interesting games to try out, or reasons to revisit older games that have had updates. I ended up playing 120 different VR games in 2023!
The 22 games from January to March are here
The 30 games from April to May are here
The 21 from June to August are here.
The 22 form September and October are here.
The 25 from November and December are here.
